Guatemala is famous for its coffee which tends to be smooth and chocolatey with berry notes. Back in the day, most of Guatemala’s coffee harvest was exported. Locals stuck to drinking instant or watered-down versions. In fact, most of the coffee I drank while growing up in Guatemala was similar in strength to weak black tea. It had enough sugar in it to kill a diabetic and was usually served in a styrofoam cup. Fortunately, Guatemala now has a much-improved coffee scene. Many cafés serve estate coffees from different regions of Guatemala, each with its own flavor profile. It’s definitely worth spending time visiting different coffee shops. And so, without further ado, I present 7 great Panajachel coffee shops.
1. Crossroads Café
Crossroads Café has been the number one coffee shop on Trip Advisor for many years. It has a vintage ambiance, a giant map of the world, and a ceiling adorned with flags. If you’re lucky enough to come on a roasting day, the whole street will smell delicious.
If you like meeting new people and having interesting conversations, take a seat at the bar. Crossroads Café offers an assortment of great single-estate Guatemalan coffees. Try their coffee of the day with a slice of carrot cake, have a cappuccino, take their coffee cupping experience, or buy great Guatemalan coffee to take home with you.
Crossroads Café Hours and location
Crossroads is open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday.
History of Crossroads Café
Crossroads Café gained fame thanks to its founder Mike Roberts, who always had a smile, joke, witty comment, or soundbite of advice for anyone passing through. After Mike and his wife moved back to South Africa, they transferred ownership to Byron. Byron is a great Guatemalan guy from Nebaj who is personable and up for practicing his English.
2. Restaurante Atitlán
Restaurante Atitlán is located on the lakefront. It has great views, friendly staff, and delicious coffee and desserts. Savor a cup of joe, enjoy “pay de elote” (a delicious traditional Guatemalan dessert), and feast your eyes on the lake and volcanoes.
They also offer matcha tea, dirty chai lattes, Italian sodas, and appetizers.
Restaurante Atitlán Hours and Location
Restaurante Atitlán is open from 8 am to 8:30 pm every day of the week.
3. Café Loco
Café Loco is a small coffee shop with a fun vibe. It is located right on Calle Santander and features coffee from all over Central America. They offer an interesting mix of drinks including cold brews, pour overs, flat whites, coconut lattes, and affogatos. They offer soy milk and lactose-free milk options.
Café Loco Hours and Location
Café Loco is open from 9 am to 7 pm Tuesday through Sunday. (Closed Mondays)
4. Café Moka
Café Moka is a coffee shop and bar located on the second level of Edificio Rincón Sai, near the top of Calle Santander. It has a fun and colorful vibe complete with murals and a pool table. It’s a great place to hang out away from the noise of tuc-tucs, enjoy the breeze flowing through the open balcony, or people watch from the heights. They serve locally-grown coffee and an assortment of alcoholic beverages.
Café Moka Hours and Location
Café Moka is open from 11 am to 10 pm daily.
5. Café Asawako
Café Asawako is located near the bottom of Calle Santander. This cute two-story building offers great opportunities to people-watch, delicious smoothies, and good coffee. They are known for their home-made desserts and their open, airy space. They offer both almond and soy milk alternatives.
Café Asawako Hours and Location
Café Asawako is open from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm every day.
It is located on the corner entrance of Hotel Dos Mundos
6. Flor de Café
This is one of the only coffee shops in Panajachel that is in a garden. Located on the beautiful grounds of Hotel Jardines del Lago, this is a wonderful spot to escape from the bustle of town. Sink into the dual refreshment of a delicious coffee and the natural splendor of this lakeside garden.
Flor de Café Hours and Location
Flor de Café is open from 10 am to 9 pm on Sunday through Friday and 8 am to 9 pm on Saturdays.
7. Café Te Quiero
This lovely little café has two locations in Panajachel. Both have a bright fun ambiance and a selection of great coffees, crepes, and friendly staff. They are also known for their teas, cheesecake, and fruit smoothies.
Café Te Quiero Hours and Locations
El Amate Location
Café Te Quiero inside the Calzado Abuelo Shopping Mall is open from 9 am to 7 pm every day
Rancho Grande Location
Café Te Quiero near the bottom of Rancho Grande is open from 7 am to 10 pm every day
Bonus: Caffé Kitsch
Caffé Kitsch is located on the first floor of the Edificio Rincón Sai at the top of Calle Santander. (Below Café Moka). This is a small streetside café with balcony seating. Besides serving up a nice cup of coffee, they also have gluten-free and vegetarian meals. I enjoyed eating their falafel on gluten-free bread.
Caffé Kitsch Hours and Location
Caffé Kitsch is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day.